About Our Clinicians
Joseph Martin
Adult Choral Clinician
Joseph Martin, a native of North Carolina, earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Subsequently he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Texas, Austin. Joseph taught for five years in the Piano Pedagogy Department of the University of Texas. His piano teachers include Jimmy Woodle, David Gibson, Amanda Vick Lethco, Martha Hilley and Danielle Martin. While at Furman University, he was accompanist for choral director and composer Milburn Price and, inspired by his teaching, Martin began to compose.
He is a member of the staff at the Hal Leonard Corporation and Shawnee Press, Inc., as Director of Sacred Publications, with responsibilities for overseeing the editorial and creative direction of the company and also coordinating the recording and production aspects of future sacred publishing efforts.
Joseph has performed solo piano recitals and has been the featured artist with symphony orchestras in the United States and Mexico. As winner of the Nina Plant Wideman Competition, he performed with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. His solo recital in Ex-convento del Carmen was broadcast nationally throughout the country.
His first solo piano recording, American Tapestry, was nominated for a Dove Award. This album, along with his other recordings (Songs of the Journey, Celtic Tapestry, A Christmas Tapestry, and A Symphony of Carols) has been enormously popular in the sacred and secular markets. He has recorded for Yamaha's Disklavier series and has composed hundreds of commissioned works.
Recognized throughout the United States for his many choral compositions, both sacred and secular, Joseph's music is published by numerous publishing houses. Over 2500 compositions are currently in print and the list continues to grow. His composition, "Pieta," was honored with an award from the John Ness Beck Foundation.
In 2008 he was inducted as a National Patron of the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. Along with Mark Hayes and David Angerman, Joseph has co-authored a fully graded, progressive piano method for the Christian student called Keys for the Kingdom. His major works include over 60 choral cantatas and Song of Wisdom, a choral tone poem based on the best-selling children's book, Old Turtle. His work for young voices Heartsongs, inspired by the life and words of Mattie J. Stepanek, was premiered at Carnegie Hall. In 2025, Joe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Furman University, his alma mater.
Joseph is co-founder of a unique travel experience, “Journeys With Joe.” This program connects musicians and singers with extraordinary tours throughout the world. His company, Martin Creative Services has established conferences and seminars throughout the US, as well as developed innovative web based ventures such as Sanctuary Radio and Worship Songs Online.
His music can be heard in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City; Constitution Hall in Washington DC, The Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson, Missouri; St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City; and in hundreds of worship services in churches across the United States and Canada. He continues to surprise audiences with the variety and scope of his compositions and arrangements.
Joseph lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Sue.
Adult Choral Clinician
Joseph Martin, a native of North Carolina, earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Subsequently he earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Texas, Austin. Joseph taught for five years in the Piano Pedagogy Department of the University of Texas. His piano teachers include Jimmy Woodle, David Gibson, Amanda Vick Lethco, Martha Hilley and Danielle Martin. While at Furman University, he was accompanist for choral director and composer Milburn Price and, inspired by his teaching, Martin began to compose.
He is a member of the staff at the Hal Leonard Corporation and Shawnee Press, Inc., as Director of Sacred Publications, with responsibilities for overseeing the editorial and creative direction of the company and also coordinating the recording and production aspects of future sacred publishing efforts.
Joseph has performed solo piano recitals and has been the featured artist with symphony orchestras in the United States and Mexico. As winner of the Nina Plant Wideman Competition, he performed with the Guadalajara Symphony Orchestra. His solo recital in Ex-convento del Carmen was broadcast nationally throughout the country.
His first solo piano recording, American Tapestry, was nominated for a Dove Award. This album, along with his other recordings (Songs of the Journey, Celtic Tapestry, A Christmas Tapestry, and A Symphony of Carols) has been enormously popular in the sacred and secular markets. He has recorded for Yamaha's Disklavier series and has composed hundreds of commissioned works.
Recognized throughout the United States for his many choral compositions, both sacred and secular, Joseph's music is published by numerous publishing houses. Over 2500 compositions are currently in print and the list continues to grow. His composition, "Pieta," was honored with an award from the John Ness Beck Foundation.
In 2008 he was inducted as a National Patron of the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity. Along with Mark Hayes and David Angerman, Joseph has co-authored a fully graded, progressive piano method for the Christian student called Keys for the Kingdom. His major works include over 60 choral cantatas and Song of Wisdom, a choral tone poem based on the best-selling children's book, Old Turtle. His work for young voices Heartsongs, inspired by the life and words of Mattie J. Stepanek, was premiered at Carnegie Hall. In 2025, Joe was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Furman University, his alma mater.
Joseph is co-founder of a unique travel experience, “Journeys With Joe.” This program connects musicians and singers with extraordinary tours throughout the world. His company, Martin Creative Services has established conferences and seminars throughout the US, as well as developed innovative web based ventures such as Sanctuary Radio and Worship Songs Online.
His music can be heard in such diverse locations as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City; Constitution Hall in Washington DC, The Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson, Missouri; St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City; and in hundreds of worship services in churches across the United States and Canada. He continues to surprise audiences with the variety and scope of his compositions and arrangements.
Joseph lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Sue.
James Wells
Youth Choral Clinician
James Wells is a distinguished church music leader and arts director based in Tennessee, widely recognized for his longstanding contributions to worship music and choral ministry. With a career spanning more than two decades, he has cultivated vibrant music programs that inspire both congregations and young musicians alike.
Wells currently serves as Director of Worship and Arts at Brentwood United Methodist Church near Nashville, where he has led the church’s music ministries for over 27 years. In this role, he oversees worship services, directs choirs of all ages, and fosters collaborative arts initiatives that enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the congregation. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to excellence in worship and to the meaningful integration of music within the life of the church.
In addition to his work in congregational settings, Wells serves as Artistic Director of the Nashville Children’s Choir of Belmont University, where he mentors and develops young singers in grades 3 through 12. His influence in this role has helped shape the musical and personal growth of countless students, emphasizing both artistry and discipline.
Wells holds degrees in vocal performance and music education from Middle Tennessee State University and Belmont University. His academic preparation, combined with extensive practical experience, equips him to lead ensembles ranging from youth choirs to advanced vocal groups.
Throughout his career, James Wells has demonstrated a passion for nurturing musical talent, fostering community through the arts, and elevating the role of music in worship.
Youth Choral Clinician
James Wells is a distinguished church music leader and arts director based in Tennessee, widely recognized for his longstanding contributions to worship music and choral ministry. With a career spanning more than two decades, he has cultivated vibrant music programs that inspire both congregations and young musicians alike.
Wells currently serves as Director of Worship and Arts at Brentwood United Methodist Church near Nashville, where he has led the church’s music ministries for over 27 years. In this role, he oversees worship services, directs choirs of all ages, and fosters collaborative arts initiatives that enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the congregation. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to excellence in worship and to the meaningful integration of music within the life of the church.
In addition to his work in congregational settings, Wells serves as Artistic Director of the Nashville Children’s Choir of Belmont University, where he mentors and develops young singers in grades 3 through 12. His influence in this role has helped shape the musical and personal growth of countless students, emphasizing both artistry and discipline.
Wells holds degrees in vocal performance and music education from Middle Tennessee State University and Belmont University. His academic preparation, combined with extensive practical experience, equips him to lead ensembles ranging from youth choirs to advanced vocal groups.
Throughout his career, James Wells has demonstrated a passion for nurturing musical talent, fostering community through the arts, and elevating the role of music in worship.
Lloyd Larson
Handbell Clinician
For over 40 years, Lloyd Larson has been an active composer and arranger for several major publishing companies of church, school, and community choral and instrumental music. His compositions and arrangements number well over 2,000 published works including choral anthems, numerous extended Christmas, Easter, and non-seasonal works, keyboard collections, vocal solo and duet collections, instrumental solo and ensemble publications, orchestrations, and handbell settings.
Larson’s music and ministry career has taken him across the United States, Europe, Asia, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, Central America, and the Caribbean. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Anderson University (Indiana) and a Master’s Degree in composition and church music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kentucky). He has done subsequent graduate work at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Ohio State University, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to his college sweetheart, Marci. They have three married children and ten grandchildren. He makes his home in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.
Handbell Clinician
For over 40 years, Lloyd Larson has been an active composer and arranger for several major publishing companies of church, school, and community choral and instrumental music. His compositions and arrangements number well over 2,000 published works including choral anthems, numerous extended Christmas, Easter, and non-seasonal works, keyboard collections, vocal solo and duet collections, instrumental solo and ensemble publications, orchestrations, and handbell settings.
Larson’s music and ministry career has taken him across the United States, Europe, Asia, Israel, Australia and New Zealand, Central America, and the Caribbean. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Anderson University (Indiana) and a Master’s Degree in composition and church music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Kentucky). He has done subsequent graduate work at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, The Ohio State University, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to his college sweetheart, Marci. They have three married children and ten grandchildren. He makes his home in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.
Rev. Bryant Manning
Youth Worship Pastor
Bryant Manning is currently the Pastor and Executive Director at the Wesley Foundation at FSU & TCC in Tallahassee, FL. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Florida Southern College as well as a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and is a Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church. Bryant is passionate about college students and young people seeking to further their relationship with Christ, as well as worship ministry, music ministry, and all techy things.
He is married to his middle-school sweetheart, Allison, and together they have two beautiful red-headed daughters, Collins and Dylan.
Youth Worship Pastor
Bryant Manning is currently the Pastor and Executive Director at the Wesley Foundation at FSU & TCC in Tallahassee, FL. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Florida Southern College as well as a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and is a Provisional Elder in the United Methodist Church. Bryant is passionate about college students and young people seeking to further their relationship with Christ, as well as worship ministry, music ministry, and all techy things.
He is married to his middle-school sweetheart, Allison, and together they have two beautiful red-headed daughters, Collins and Dylan.
